Read Novel Full Vol 3 Epilogue
Vol 3 Epilogue
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Epilogue
The tiger was defeated, and true peace returned to the Lianxi Empire.
Liu Jian, who had been deeply wounded, was completely healed by the court magician, and the closing ceremony of the trials was scheduled to take place.
Shortly before the closing ceremony.
Lexia and the others, as well as the princes and the princess, were gathered in Liu Jian’s room.
“Father, what exactly is the story…?”
Although the tiger should have been defeated, Liu Jian’s expression was somber.
In the presence of the princes, the princess, and the third queen, Yuri, Liu Jian opened his mouth with a somber expression.
“I’m sorry, Xiaolin. I was the one who made you drink the cursed bugs.”
“Father is…? Why…?”
Not only Xiaolin but everyone present was shocked.
Liu Jian looked at Xiaolin’s crimson hair with a pained expression.
“When you were born, many people were happy to see your bright red hair and extraordinary dragon power as the ‘maiden of lore’ who would save the country from danger… However, too much power can sometimes be a poison that destroys you. In fact, the first emperor, Fa Lan-sama, died young because her life was consumed by too much dragon power.”
Everyone in the room gasped.
“No way… I didn’t know that Fa Lan-sama’s early death was caused by dragon power…”
“Xiaolin, the dragon power within you is far too powerful. And out of fear of losing you, I made you drink a cursed bug that fed on your dragon power when you were very young… I am truly sorry…”
“Father…”
Liu Jian covered his face with shaking hands.
But you have regained your original dragon power, a power so powerful that it can consume your life. Just like Fa Lan-sama, who lost her life at such a young age, you too will…”
“No way…!”
Yuri turned pale, and Lexia and the others lost their voices.
“I wondered who put the cursed bugs on Xiaolin-sama, but I had no idea…”
“Was it because he was thinking of Xiaolin?”
“But if we don’t do anything about it, Xiaolin-san will…”
Lu Won opened his mouth as if he suddenly had an idea.
“Right, if we use that cursed bug again…!”
However, Liu Jian weakly shook his head at the clinging gaze.
“That bug is also a powerful curse; it cannot be used twice. There is no way to save Xiaolin…”
“No way… Can’t you do something, Father?”
“Xiaolin was protecting us, protecting this country…”
“This is so wrong!”
“Brothers, sister…”
Xiaolin lowered her eyebrows and smiled at Lu Won and the others who were in tears.
“Thank you… but it doesn’t matter. I was able to use the dragon power in my body to defeat the Flame Tiger and save many people… just like Fa Lan-sama, whom I’ve always admired. And I found out that Father loves and cares for me… and that is enough for me. I will use this remaining life for the good of the Lianxi Empire.”
“Oh no, Xiaolin…!”
Tito’s eyes welled up as if she was about to cry.
“W-what shall we do? Is there any way…!”
“From the looks of it, His Majesty Liu Jian must have tried everything in his power to find a way to save Xiaolin… but if there was a special medicine that could replace──or even surpass──the cursed bugs…”
“A special medicine…”
Lexia answered Luna’s sad-looking muttering and looked up with a start.
“Oh, by the way!”
“What, at a time like this?”
“Uh, I’m pretty sure I put it in here somewhere!”
Lexia rummaged through her things, not caring about the dubious Luna.
And then,
“There it is!”
Lexia triumphantly pulled out a small bottle and a letter that Odis had given her.
Liu Jian asked in astonishment.
“What is it?”
“It was given to me by Magic Saint-sama! He told me to use it whenever I need it.”
“Ma-Ma-Magic Saint? Do you mean the Holy who has mastered magic?”
“You all know the Magic Saint?”
“Are you really just tutors?”
Lexia unfolded the letter to the astonished Lu Won and the others.
“This must be the time we need it! I’ll read it then, um… ‘This medicine is unique; I developed it myself. If you drink it, you will be able to live your whole life with your dragon power intact, without having to resort to any malicious bugs.’ That’s what it says…”
“””””Ee… eeeeeeeeeeeeehhh!?”””””
The air that had been heavy and subdued was instantly blown away.
“S-such a medicine beyond human knowledge…!”
“Did Odis-sama foresee this by any chance? He really is an extraordinary man…!”
“I-I thought that while we were making the secret elixir, he was making another medicine…! As expected from the Magic Saint, to develop such a medicine in such a short time…”
Lexia offered the medicine to the surprised Xiaolin.
“Now, Xiaolin-sama.”
Xiaolin nodded and took the small bottle.
She closed her eyes and drank it down with determination.
Then Xiaolin’s whole body began to glow faintly, and eventually, the light settled in as if it had become familiar.
“My body feels warm… somehow, and I feel lighter around my chest.”
“The light is a sign that it worked, according to the letter! I’m glad, now you won’t be threatened by the too-strong dragon power anymore!”
Liu Jian had tears in his eyes, and he and Yuri hugged Xiaolin.
“Oh, Xiaolin… thank goodness…!”
“…Thank you, Father!”
Xiaolin smiled happily as her father and mother hugged her.
“This is a great round-up! It’s all settled!”
The princes and the princess watched the scene with gentle eyes, but then their gaze suddenly shifted to Lexia and the others.
“But who are you? You fought like a lion against that Flame Tiger…”
“And you seem to have some kind of special power inside you.”
“On top of that, you’re also acquainted with Magic Saint-sama… so it’s hard to believe that you’re just a tutor. Who exactly are you?”
“Oh, by the way, I haven’t introduced myself yet.”
Lexia brushed back her blonde hair and proudly introduced herself with a dazzling smile.
“I am Lexia, the first princess of the kingdom of Arcelia. Lexia von Arcelia!”
“”””What…!?””””
Not only the princes and the princess but also Liu Jian opened his eyes.
“P-Princess of the Kingdom of Arcelia…!”
“How did a royal family from another country become Xiaolin’s tutor?”
Amidst the astonished looks, Lexia’s heart pounded in her chest.
“We’re on a journey to save the world!”
“A-a journey to save the world? A princess?”
“I don’t understand! What in the world is going on?”
“I mean, what am I supposed to do? I was so rude…!”
Lu Won and the others were busy looking surprised and pale.
Liu Jian was stunned for a moment but then came to his senses and bowed deeply to Lexia and the others.
“So that’s it… Lexia-dono. And her companions. Thanks to your efforts, the Flame Tiger has been destroyed, and the threat is over… I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“Please raise your head, Your Majesty the Emperor. We did this because we wanted to. Besides, as Xiaolin-sama’s tutor, we did what was natural!”
“Yes. It was a very rewarding job.”
“It was fun to grow up with Xiaolin-sama!”
At that moment, a soldier came calling.
“Your Majesty, the closing ceremony is ready.”
Liu Jian nodded his head in exultation.
“Umu. Let’s go.”
＊＊＊
At the venue of the closing ceremony, the crowd was buzzing, waiting for the heir to the throne to enter.
Amidst the excitement and enthusiasm, Lexia’s father, Arnold, stood at the guest of honor podium and prayed earnestly.
“Lexia, please be safe…”
“It’s all right, Your Majesty. There are no reports of deaths during the trials. Luna and the girl who is the disciple of the Claw Saint are also with her.”
While reassuring Arnold, Owen was also worried inside.
At that moment, a gong sounded, and the heirs to the throne entered the venue.
What caught the eyes of Arnold and Owen was the sight of Lexia and the others entering the venue with Xiaolin, waving their hands in triumph.
“Lexia───! Are you safe───!”
“Your Majesty! Please calm down. The eyes of other countries are watching! We will watch quietly for now and take her into custody as soon as the ceremony is over! I understand your feelings, but please keep your voice down and maintain your dignity. Calm down, sit down, keep your voice down, quiet… calm down!”
Arnold was so overcome with emotion that he was about to jump forward, but Owen held him back with all his might.
＊＊＊
The closing ceremony began as the audience watched.
Liu Jian, standing on the platform, spoke loudly and clearly.
“In this trial ceremony, the four heirs to the imperial throne have successfully passed three trials and returned safely. Based on the results, the next emperor will be chosen from among the four.”
Liu Jian looked at the four heirs and narrowed his eyes.
“The next emperor is you, Xiaolin.”
Xiaolin looked up at the emperor in surprise.
“Father…!”
Liu Jian called out to the audience.
“Before I explain to you how Xiaolin is the most suitable person to be the next emperor, I would like to tell you the truth about the Lianxi Empire. The Flame Tiger that attacked this land 1,000 years ago. It was believed that the tiger was defeated by Fa Lan-sama, but that is not the case. We, the imperial family, have sealed it for generations. It was the duty of the imperial family. The other day, however, the seal was broken.”
The audience gasped.
“W-what? The tiger was not defeated and the seal was broken…?”
“The Flame Tiger is a powerful monster that burns everything, right? What in the world will happen?”
A heavy voice cut through the people’s excitement and announced.
“During the sealing, the tiger had continued to store its rage, becoming much more powerful than it was a thousand years ago… But the tiger was defeated by Xiaolin with her dragon power!”
“Xiaolin-sama defeated the tiger?”
“Xiaolin-sama was able to use dragon power, huh? It’s amazing that she was able to defeat the Flame Tiger!”
“N-now that I think about it, Xiaolin-sama’s hair has turned crimson… Xiaolin-sama was the maiden of lore!”
“Fufufu, yes, Xiaolin-sama is amazing!”
“Why do you look so proud?”
Luna interrupted Lexia, who was proudly puffing out her chest.
With a cheer that shook the sky, Liu Jian turned her gentle gaze to Xiaolin.
“Xiaolin. The strength, courage, intelligence, good judgment, and consideration for others that you showed during the trial… You are truly worthy of the position of emperor. Will you lead this country in my place in time?”
“T-thank you very much… I am so happy that Father recognized me. But…”
Xiaolin looked back at her brothers and sister with an expression that was a mixture of joy and confusion.
Lu Won and the others laughed.
“I have no objections. You will be a great emperor. From now on, we will work together to support you as your sword and shield.”
“I have learned many important things from you… Such as the spirit of never giving up, courage, and kindness.”
“You will lead this country and its people well. You are our proud little sister.”
Xiaolin’s cheeks flushed and she beamed.
“Brothers, sister… Thank you. I promise you that I will be an emperor who will not disgrace you. I would be happy if you could help me make the Lianxi Empire a more prosperous and wonderful country.”
Lu Won and the others nodded their heads vigorously, and the audience burst into applause.
“The next emperor is Xiaolin-sama!”
“Xiaolin-sama is a wise and gentle person. I am sure she will make the Lianxi Empire a better place.”
“I can’t wait to see how Xiaolin-sama will lead this country!”
Amidst the cheers that pierced the sky, Lexia’s jade green eyes lit up, and she laughed.
“I knew it was as I thought; Xiaolin-sama was destined to be emperor! I’m so proud to be her tutor!”
“Ah. When I heard that we were going to be the tutor of the imperial princess of the thousand-year-old empire, I wondered what was going to happen… but it was quite an interesting assignment.”
“Ugh, Xiaolin-san, she has become so magnificent…!”
As Lexia and the others looked on, Xiaolin called out to the crowd.
“Thank you, everyone! But I didn’t go through the trials alone! Let me introduce everyone here… the tutor who brought me here!”
All eyes in the room were on Lexia and the others.
“They believed in me when I couldn’t even use my dragon power, and they guided me and helped me defeat the Flame Tiger together. Without them, I would not have been able to participate in the trial ceremony, and I would not be here.”
“They defeated the tiger together with Xiaolin-sama? That’s amazing!”
“What a lovely tutor they are.”
“Thank you for guiding Xiaolin-sama!”
Lexia and the others laughed happily amidst the thunderous applause.
＊＊＊
The closing ceremony ended with great enthusiasm, and the group moved to the imperial palace.
Liu Jian bowed once more to Lexia and the others.
“It is no exaggeration to say that your work has been the greatest contribution to this event. You supported Xiaolin and saved this country together.”
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you. Thank you very much.”
Yuri also thanked them with tears of relief and gratitude.
Liu Jian gave Lexia a mirror.
“It’s a small gift, but let me give it to you.”
“Could this be the… Mirror of Truth?”
It was a mirror made of pieces that Xiaolin and the others had collected during the first trial.
“Yes. The mirror is actually a treasure that has been in the Emperor’s family for generations and is said to have the power to repel magic and evil spirits. Now that we have all the pieces, I hope they will be of use to you.”
“I didn’t know the Mirror of Truth had such power; this is amazing! Thank you so much! Now, I won’t be afraid of any enemies on my journey!”
Lexia casually accepts the mirror and immediately begins to fix her hair.
Next to her, Luna and Tito open their eyes.
“A mirror that repels magic? I’ve never heard of such an item; isn’t it even more extraordinary than I imagined?”
“Lexia-san is fixing her hair with such an amazing mirror!”
“I knew it was too bold…!”
At that moment, two figures interrupted what sounded like a chorus of voices from outside the room.
“I found you, Lexia──!”
“Calm down, Your Majesty!”
The two figures were Arnold, in a rage, and Owen, desperately trying to hold him back.
“Ara, I didn’t know Father was here too.”
“Eeiii, come here, Lexia! We’ll go back to the Kingdom of Arcelia together!”
“Your Majesty, I understand your feelings, but in the presence of the Emperor of Lianxi, please calm down…!”
“My beloved daughter, whose whereabouts I have always worried about, is right here in front of me; there is no way I can calm down! Or rather, what does it mean to have defeated the Flame Tiger together with Xiaolin-sama? I was not told about such a dangerous journey!”
Lexia rolled her eyes at Arnold, who looked like he was about to shake Owen off.
“No, we must leave quickly!”
“As a good luck charm, I’d like you to return to the Kingdom of Arcelia once…”
“No! Once I go back, it will be very hard to get out again!”
“Is that the premise of this…?”
“What is the point of a lucky charm? I have Luna as my bodyguard!”
“Awawa, if we’re going to leave, we’d better hurry, or the king will come and get you at any moment…”
Liu Jian laughed at Lexia and the others, who were suddenly in a hurry.
“So you’re leaving already… you’ve done a great job nurturing and guiding Xiaolin. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving my daughter and the Lianxi Empire. I will explain to your father how things happened. You may leave through the back door.”
Yuri also bowed her head.
“I will never forget this favor. Please be careful.”
“Lexia-san, Luna-san, Tito-san. I really… really thank you.”
Lexia laughed like a flower as Xiaolin bit down on her words.
“Ara, we were just helping out a little. The most amazing one is you, Xiaolin-sama. You did a wonderful job!”
“It was a pleasure to tutor you, Xiaolin-san! Even though we are separated, we will always support you…!”
“Xiaolin is one of our proudest pupils. Keep up the good work.”
“Yes…!”
Lexia gently holds Xiaolin’s tearful hand.
“I hope you’re doing well, Xiaolin-sama. I look forward to seeing you again!”
“I look forward to it too. When your journey is over, please come and visit the Lianxi Empire! I will show you the imperial capital again!”
“Yes, under a disguise!”
The tomboy princess and the little chosen emperor looked at each other and laughed.
“Oh, let go of me, Owen! Lexia, go back, Lexia───!”
“See you later then!”
With a big wave to the smiling Xiaolin and the others, the three of them left the room.
＊＊＊
“Hmm… It’s a beautiful day! The perfect day to start a new journey!”
Lexia smiled lightly as she walked through the bustling crowds of the imperial capital.
Next to her, Luna sighed.
“Goodness, we were only supposed to be tutors, but I didn’t expect to end up fighting the Seven Deadly Sins… It took more work than I thought.”
“But I’m glad we got it all done!”
“Yes, and we also made friends with Xiaolin-sama!”
Luna glanced at Lexia, who was in a good mood.
“But Lexia, don’t you think it’s time for you to go back to the Kingdom of Arcelia?”
“Lexia-san’s father and the knight escorting him were very worried about you…”
“Ara, it’s good to know that we’re traveling well. The world is still full of people in need and countries that need help! Our journey is not over until we save the world!”
“If that’s the case, at least write to him. If you keep him informed about the situation, he won’t worry so much.”
“W-would you like me to write the letter instead?”
“Don’t worry, they say no news is good news!”
“That’s what people who are waiting for news say!”
Light laughter and a fresh breeze blew through the imperial capital of the Thousand Year Empire.
Lexia laughed and looked up at the clear blue sky.
“So, where shall we go next?”
And so, having inadvertently saved the Thousand-Year Empire from the brink of destruction, the group embarked on a new journey in search of their next destination.